When tax season approaches, finding the right tax specialists near me can save time, reduce stress, and maximize your refund. A professional tax expert, like those at Curler Accounting, ensures that you’re filing correctly and taking advantage of every possible tax deduction and credit. However, to get the best results from your first meeting, you need to come prepared.

Curler Accounting & Tax Services, LLC, founded by Matt Curler, CPA, provides expert tax services to individuals and small businesses in Mequon, Washington County, and the northern Milwaukee area. With over 20 years of experience in tax, finance, and accounting, Matt Curler’s expertise helps clients minimize tax liabilities and stay compliant with IRS regulations. Whether you need tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll assistance, or IRS representation, coming prepared for your first consultation ensures a smoother process.

Essential Documents to Bring to Your First Tax Meeting

Personal Identification and Taxpayer Information

The first step in preparing for your tax consultation is gathering your personal identification and taxpayer information. Tax specialists near me, like those at Curler Accounting, need these documents to verify your identity and ensure that your tax return is filed accurately.

Be sure to bring the following:

• Government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, or military ID)
• Social Security cards for yourself, spouse, and dependents
• Last year’s tax return (if available)
• Any IRS correspondence or tax notices

Income Documents

All sources of income need to be reported on your tax return. Bringing the correct documents ensures that your income is reported correctly and that you don’t accidentally omit any taxable earnings.

Important income-related documents include:

• W-2 forms from all employers
• 1099 forms for contract work, freelance income, or side gigs
• Dividend and interest statements (1099-DIV or 1099-INT)
• Rental income documentation
• Social Security benefits statements
• Retirement account distributions (1099-R)
• Unemployment benefits statements

Expense and Deduction Records

Tax deductions and credits reduce your taxable income and can increase your refund. To ensure that you maximize every eligible tax benefit, bring documentation for any deductions or expenses you qualify for.

Key deduction-related documents include:

• Mortgage interest statements (Form 1098)
• Property tax records
• Medical and dental expense receipts
• Charitable donation receipts
• Student loan interest statements
• Childcare expenses (including provider’s name, address, and tax ID number)
• Education expenses (tuition, fees, and school-related costs)

Business Owners and Self-Employed Individuals

If you’re a freelancer, contractor, or small business owner, tax reporting can be more complex. Curler Accounting specializes in helping business owners optimize their tax strategy while maintaining compliance.

For business-related tax preparation, bring:

• Profit and loss statements
• Business bank statements
• Records of business income (invoices, receipts, 1099 forms)
• Receipts for business expenses (equipment, software, travel, marketing)
• Vehicle-related expenses (mileage logs and fuel receipts for business use)
• Payroll records (if applicable)

Retirement Contributions and Investments

Tax specialists near me, like Curler Accounting, can help navigate the tax implications of retirement savings and investments. Bringing the right documentation ensures your accountant can provide the best advice.

Essential documents include:

• IRA or 401(k) contribution summaries
• Capital gains and losses statements
• Stock sales or investment income (Form 1099-B, 1099-DIV, or 1099-INT)

Why Preparing for Your Tax Appointment Matters

Bringing all necessary documents to your tax consultation ensures that the process is smooth, efficient, and free of delays. Missing paperwork can lead to inaccurate filings, missed deductions, and possible IRS complications. A well-prepared meeting with Curler Accounting can streamline tax planning, helping you keep more of your hard-earned money.

Matt Curler, CPA, applies his years of tax expertise to help individuals and small businesses develop efficient tax strategies, minimize liabilities, and maximize returns. His disciplined, detailed approach—honed through a career in accounting, finance, and military service—makes him one of the most trusted tax specialists near me.

Additional Tips for a Stress-Free First Meeting with Your Tax Specialist

Organize Your Documents in Advance

Sorting your important tax documents in advance can make your meeting with Curler Accounting more productive. Consider using labeled folders or envelopes to keep everything organized, separating income records, deductions, and receipts.

Review Your Previous Tax Returns

If you worked with another tax preparer previously, reviewing past returns can reveal trends, missed deductions, or areas of improvement. If available, bring copies of at least the last two years of returns.

Prepare Questions in Advance

Meeting with a tax professional is the perfect opportunity to ask financial planning questions related to tax-saving opportunities, deductions, and compliance. Write down any questions in advance to ensure they’re addressed during your appointment.

Be Honest About Your Financial Situation

Your tax specialist’s goal is to help you, but they can only do so effectively if they have truthful and complete information. Full transparency ensures you receive the most accurate tax advice possible.

Why Choose Curler Accounting for Your Tax Needs?

Finding reliable tax specialists near me is crucial for navigating tax preparation successfully. Curler Accounting & Tax Services delivers personalized financial solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re an individual taxpayer, small business owner, or self-employed professional, Matt Curler’s experience ensures your taxes are filed correctly, legally, and advantageously.

Here are some reasons to work with Curler Accounting:

• Expertise: With over 20 years of experience in tax, finance, and compliance, Matt Curler has the knowledge to guide you through tax season seamlessly.
• Integrity and Precision: As a veteran and former Milwaukee Police Officer, Matt brings discipline and ethical financial management to every client’s case.
• Personalized Service: Unlike large tax firms, Curler Accounting provides a hands-on, client-first approach tailored to your specific financial situation.
• Small Business Focus: Specialized business tax services help LLCs, S-Corps, and self-employed professionals optimize their tax standing.
• Local and Virtual Services: Based in Mequon, Curler Accounting serves Washington County, Milwaukee, and remote clients across Wisconsin.
• Year-Round Support: Unlike seasonal tax preparers, Curler Accounting offers tax planning and financial guidance all year long to keep clients on track.

Quick and Accurate Filing: The team at Curler Accounting uses the latest tax preparation technology to ensure fast, error-free filing that meets IRS guidelines.

Don’t wait until the filing deadline is near. By preparing your documents and scheduling an appointment with experienced tax specialists near me, you ensure a stress-free tax season. Curler Accounting is ready to help you maximize deductions, stay compliant, and achieve financial success.

Whether you need individual tax preparation, small business tax planning, or bookkeeping services, Curler Accounting is committed to delivering results-driven financial management with integrity and precision. Contact Curler Accounting today and set up your first consultation!